AI GENERATED FRAUD VIDEOS IMPERSONATING CELEBRITIES AND POLITICAL LEADERS BEING REPORTED IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - Members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have seen an increase in Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated fraud videos impersonating celebrities and political leaders.
Throughout the months of June and August, members of the Middlesex County OPP, have been investigating similar fraud incidents where victims invested in certain financial programs after watching videos on popular social media platforms, believed to be from celebrities or politicians promoting these opportunities.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) are referring to these incidents as “Deep Fakes” where celebrities and politicians are being impersonated using AI.
Deep fake videos use sophisticated AI algorithms to manipulate audio and video leading victims to believe their favourite celebrity or politician is promoting a trusted investment opportunity. The videos can be convincing, making it difficult to know if they are fake or not and often circulate on social media platforms.
Safety tips:
-Assume the video is fake until you can prove otherwise
-Use caution when investing in opportunities that seem too good to be true
-Look for small cues the video may be altered, such as a blip or unnatural movements
-Prior to investing your life savings, do your homework, speak with friends or speak to a financial advisor.
Members of the Middlesex County OPP and Middlesex County Crime Unit are currently investigating separate incidents that occurred in Thames Centre and Southwest Middlesex where one victim lost $28,000 and the other $3,500.
OPP INVESTIGATING FATAL COLLISION IN
MIDDLESEX CENTRE
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Middlesex County OPP investigating a fatal collision in Middlesex Centre.
On September 29, 2025, at 1:04 p.m., emergency services including members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Middlesex-London Paramedic Service and Middlesex Centre Fire, were dispatched to Medway Road between Adelaide Street North and Richmond Street, Municipality of Middlesex Centre, for the report of a serious collision involving two vehicles.
Early investigation revealed a sport utility vehicle (SUV) travelling eastbound, crossed the centre line and collided with a grain truck travelling in the westbound lane.
The driver of the SUV, a 17-year-old of Thorndale, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the grain truck suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Members of the OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team are on scene to assist with the investigation.
INDIVIDUAL FACING
SHOPLIFTING CHARGE AFTER THEFT COMPLAINT
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Individual from Middlesex Centre charged with theft after shoplifting incident at a local business in Komoka.
On September 18, 2025, at 6:22 p.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were dispatched to a business plaza on Glendon Drive in Komoka, Municipality of Middlesex Centre, for the report of a theft.
The individual fled the area prior to police arrival, however, through investigation, OPP officers were able to identify the individual.
As a result, a 38-year-old of Middlesex Centre, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:
Theft Under $5000- SHOPLIFTING
The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice on November 13, 2025, to speak to the charge.
Missing Person Located Deceased
THAMES CENTRE - Missing person from Thames Centre located deceased in Norfolk County.
On September 23, 2025, at 1:45 p.m., members of the Middlesex County OPP were dispatched to an address in Dorchester, Municipality of Thames Centre, for the report of a missing person.
It was determined a 55-year-old of Dorchester, was last seen on September 21, 2025.
The individual was located deceased in Waterford, Norfolk County. Foul play is not suspected.
